Co-ops & Greeks Collaborate to Improve Homophobia, Sexism & Neighborhood Safety

      Date:           Tuesday, May 24, 2005

      Contacts:       Melanie Colburn, Communications Coordinator (Tu, W, F)
                              (510) 848-1936 ext. 612, pr@usca.org

                              Kathryn, McCarthy, Community Relations (M-Th)
                              (510) 848-1936 ext. 317, cell (510) 685-6297, kathyrn@usca.org


Co-op and Greek community members met Sunday evening, May 1st, in the Oscar Wilde Co-op to open the doors of a partnership addressing common concerns about homophobia, sexism and neighborhood safety.

Members of co-ops, fraternities and sororities questioned stereotypes, and cleared the ground for a long-term collaboration to build communication and community, as neighbors, housing organizations and student groups.

According to Wilde House member Chelsea Collonge, "It felt wonderful to finally have a chance to get to know our neighbors, and to realize that many of them are allies to the LGBT community and seek to reduce homophobia within their own houses. The meeting brought to my attention how many stereotypes there are between our two houses, and although not everyone came away changed, I definitely experienced some of my personal stereotypes being dissolved."

Sensitivity training and making peers accountable for homophobic and sexist behavior were solutions discussed to address these issues within the student community. They also suggested creating "safe-space" signs to post in the windows of Greek and Co-op houses to provide a haven for students in fear of being attacked and create unity between the two groups.

The meeting was initially inspired by mutual concerns about homophobia and neighborhood safety in the area following an attack directed at members of Oscar Wilde House-a Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgender themed co-op- this February. The student groups will be meeting this summer to continue planning joint activities and improve the neighborhood.